Cabbage White Butterflies
Scientific Name
Pieris rapae
Description
Cabbage White Butterflies are common pests of brassica crops. The adult butterflies have white wings with small black spots, and their eggs hatch into caterpillars that feed voraciously on leaves, causing extensive defoliation.
Characteristics
These butterflies are medium-sized with predominantly white wings accented by black markings. Their larvae, known as cabbage worms, are green and can cause significant damage by skeletonizing leaves.
Control Methods
- Organic sprays: Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil during peak infestation periods to control larvae while protecting beneficial insects.
- Cultural practices: Employ crop rotation, interplant with repellent species, and use reflective mulches to deter adult butterflies from ovipositing.
- Preventive methods: Monitor brassica crops for egg clusters and early larval stages, and maintain plant health with balanced watering and fertilization.
- Biological controls: Encourage natural predators such as parasitic wasps, birds, and predatory insects that target cabbage worms.
- Mechanical physical: Use floating row covers to prevent egg-laying and hand-pick larvae from infested plants.
Natural Enemies
- Parasitic Wasps
- Birds
- Predatory Insects
Plants Affected by Cabbage White Butterflies
No associated plants found for this pest.